An amazing component that comes along with travel is that I gain an exposure to local artistry. There has been countless times when I want to bring some back as souvenirs or gifts for family and friends. However, at the end of the day, I cannot buy them all for financial reasons or practicality, especially now with the luggage allowance surcharges. So I have decided to capture them with my camera and share them this way…

Here are some Works of Art that I found while traveling in Turkey back in 2010.

I spent a few gorgeous Spring days island hopping within the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador back in 2008. Live was perfect when I am within a pristine natural environment. Everything comes to life in spring!

Back in October 2008, I was very fortunate to have crossed the border from Nepal and visited 4 cities in Tibet; Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse and Sakya.

Tibetan Buddhism is sacred to me. Though I do not claim to be a Tibetan Buddhist yet in this life.

Every now and then though, I would recite one of Tibetan Buddhism’s oldest and most sacred mantra: Om Mani Peme Hung. In Sanskrit, it is Om Mani Padme Hum. This mantra is associated with Chenrezig Bodhisattva and it means “Om, jewel in the lotus, hum.” Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit) is the embodiment of compassion.

When this mantra is recited (aloud or silently) or seen visually, it invokes the powerful benevolent attention and blessings of Chenrezig.

From a design and typography point of view, they offer an unique style of their own called Fileteado Porteño. Beautiful, stylized lines and flowers drawn in bright colours are used to decorate signage in and around the city.

In some of the touristic areas, replicas can be found for sale as souvenirs.